thrown open

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thrown open" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that has been opened wide, often in a metaphorical sense, such as opportunities or possibilities being made available. Example: "The doors to the new community center were thrown open, inviting everyone to come in and explore the facilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The gates have now been thrown open".

The Guardian - Sport

Her smile was like double doors thrown open wide.

The New Yorker

The Embassy gates were thrown open on June 1st.

The New Yorker

Restaurants and hotels have thrown open their doors.

The Economist

The meeting was then thrown open for discussion.

The New Yorker

Many temples were thrown open to the untouchables.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That's the possibility thrown open to mixed-race people.

The Guardian

Or at least with the windows thrown open.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His allegiance to the charismatic Italian seems a personal faith, thrown open to the world.

The New Yorker

The front gate of a house is thrown open and shut with "an angry tambourine jingle".

The New Yorker

Banda music played from a car radio, the door thrown open.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thrown open" to describe situations where access or opportunity is dramatically increased or suddenly available.

Common error

Avoid using "thrown open" solely for literal openings (like a door). It's more effective when conveying figurative openings like opportunities or discussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thrown open" typically functions as a verb phrase, often used in the passive voice. It describes the action of making something accessible or available, either literally or figuratively. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thrown open" is a versatile verb phrase that signifies something being made widely accessible or available. Ludwig AI confirms that its grammatical status is correct, and it enjoys frequent usage across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While appropriate for many situations, it's best used when conveying a sense of immediacy or significant increase in accessibility. When writing, consider the subtle differences between "thrown open" and alternatives like "made accessible" or "wide open" to ensure the most accurate portrayal of your intended meaning. Avoid overusing it in strictly literal contexts; its strength lies in its figurative applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wide open

Signifies a state of being fully accessible or available, similar to something being "thrown open".

flung open

Implies a more forceful opening, but still conveys the idea of something becoming accessible.

laid bare

Emphasizes the revealing aspect, suggesting something previously hidden is now exposed.

made accessible

Focuses on the act of enabling access, which is a core meaning of "thrown open".

unveiled

Highlights the revealing of something new or previously unknown.

made available

Stresses the aspect of something being offered or provided.

opened up

Suggests the creation of new opportunities or possibilities.

set in motion

Indicates the start or initiation of something, relating to opportunities.

broken down

Implies something has become easier to overcome and access

divulged

Conveys the act of disclosing information or secrets, relating to accessibility of knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "thrown open" in a sentence?

The phrase "thrown open" is used to describe something that has been made widely accessible or available. For example, "The competition was "thrown open" to participants from all countries".

What are some alternatives to "thrown open"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "made accessible", "flung open", or "opened up".

Is it better to use "thrown open" or "opened" in formal writing?

While both are grammatically correct, "thrown open" often carries a stronger sense of immediacy and wider access. "Opened" is more neutral and suitable for general use.

What's the difference between "thrown open" and "wide open"?

"Thrown open" suggests an action that led to accessibility, while "wide open" describes a state of being fully accessible. For example, "The gates were thrown open" (action) versus "The field was wide open" (state).